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The Ocean Connects Us All! Grand Opening of the "Formosa-Hawaii Cultural Festival" Marking the CIP’s 30th Anniversary, Taiwan Joins Hands with Hawaii to Bring Indigenous Culture to the World

Asia Pacific

The Ocean Connects Us All! Grand Opening of the "Formosa-Hawaii Cultural Festival" Marking the CIP’s 30th Anniversary, Taiwan Joins Hands with Hawaii to Bring Indigenous Culture to the World
Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific

The Ocean Connects Us All! Grand Opening of the "Formosa-Hawaii Cultural Festival" Marking the CIP’s 30th Anniversary, Taiwan Joins Hands with Hawaii to Bring Indigenous Culture to the World

2026-08-07 00:25 Last Updated At:11:02

TAIPEI, TAIWAN - Media OutReach Newswire - 6 August 2026 - From July 31 to August 2, the Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) joined hands with the State of Hawaii Office in Taipei to present the three-day "Formosa-Hawaii Cultural Festival" at the New Taipei City Citizen Plaza, inviting people from across Taiwan to immerse themselves in the world of Austronesia through music and dance, and experience firsthand the beauty and passion of Austronesian culture.


Speaking at the opening ceremony, CIP Minister Ljaucu‧Zingrur said that cultural experiences often move people deeply, and that sound policy can turn that emotion into lasting institutions. As the CIP marks its 30th anniversary this year, the opening ceremony of the Formosa-Hawaii Cultural Festival featured a special tribute honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Indigenous affairs. Among these forerunners and partners are those who advocated internationally for the rights of their people, devoted their lives to rescuing endangered Indigenous languages, brought international acclaim to Taiwan through music, dance, and sport, and even those who became guardians of their communities for leading the swift evacuation of an entire village amid a raging storm and rebuilding it in the aftermath. In paying tribute to these unsung heroes, the Minister expressed hope that this honor will be passed on, inspiring more talented citizens to join in advancing Indigenous affairs. He also expressed that this cultural celebration is powerful proof that Indigenous culture is not only flourishing on Taiwan's own soil, but is also embracing the world with the utmost confidence and openness as it steps onto the international stage.

The festival's biggest draw is its lineup of top international music and dance performances from across the Pacific, alongside Golden Melody Award-winning stars, paired with a lively, delicious, and fun Austronesian-themed marketplace, together creating the most exuberant summer party of the season! The whole venue is awash in the romance of Aloha. Visitors can savor Hawaiian Kona coffee and Indigenous delicacies in the Austronesian-themed exhibition area, try their hand at Hula dancing and lei making, and enter a daily lucky draw for limited-quantity market vouchers. Families of all ages can spend a leisurely afternoon into the evening enjoying live music while browsing the market stalls, experiencing firsthand the distinctive cultural charm and way of life shared by Taiwan's Indigenous peoples and Hawaii.

The three-day program offered one highlight after another. During the day, the State of Hawaii Office in Taipei brought in the internationally acclaimed Ke Kai O Kahiki, a dance group known for powerful, masculine hula performances, to showcase the depth of Hawaiian culture. Furthermore, the CIP has invited music and dance troupes from Palau and Tuvalu to share the profound bonds of Pacific heritage. As night falls, Golden Melody Award-winning stars took the stage in succession. On July 31, "The Call of Mountains and Sea" kicked off with performances by Usay Kawlu, Utjung Tjakivalid, and Kasiwa; on August 1, "The Night of Island Sounds" brought Princess Ai and Abao back-to-back; and on August 2, "Aloha Night" closed the festival with a grand finale by Biung and Abus, pouring out the soul of the ocean through the most contemporary electronic beats and rhythms.

The CIP and the State of Hawaii Office in Taipei warmly invited people across Taiwan to bring family and friends to the New Taipei City Citizen Plaza this weekend, to enjoy live music, explore the marketplace, and experience firsthand this not-to-be-missed summer party rich in culture.

Photo: Chairperson Ljaucu Zingrur (Tseng Chih-Yung) of the Indigenous Peoples Council delivered opening remarks at the Aloha Taiwan Cultural Festival, expressing the hope that cultural exchanges between Taiwan and Hawaiʻi will deepen Austronesian cultural connections and help preserve the invaluable cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples.

Hashtag: #CouncilofIndigenousPeoples

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

** This press release is distributed by Media OutReach Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

Chairperson Ljaucu Zingrur (Tseng Chih-Yung) of the Indigenous Peoples Council delivered opening remarks at the Aloha Taiwan Cultural Festival, expressing the hope that cultural exchanges between Taiwan and Hawaiʻi will deepen Austronesian cultural connections and help preserve the invaluable cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples.

Chairperson Ljaucu Zingrur (Tseng Chih-Yung) of the Indigenous Peoples Council delivered opening remarks at the Aloha Taiwan Cultural Festival, expressing the hope that cultural exchanges between Taiwan and Hawaiʻi will deepen Austronesian cultural connections and help preserve the invaluable cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 August 2026 – Hang Lung Group Limited (SEHK Stock Code: 00010) and Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK Stock Code: 00101) (collectively referred to as "Hang Lung") today announced the appointment of Mr. TSOI Tak Lun, Leo, as Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Executive Director, with effect from October 1, 2026. He succeeds Mr. Weber Lo, who will continue as CEO and Executive Director until September 30, 2026. Mr. Tsoi will join Hang Lung on September 7, 2026 as CEO Designate and Executive Director before formally taking on the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director (with effect from October 1, 2026)

Hang Lung Group and Hang Lung Properties Appoint New Chief Executive Officer

Hang Lung Group and Hang Lung Properties Appoint New Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Tsoi, aged 56, is a seasoned business leader recognized for his leadership in transformation and innovation, with more than three decades of experience in retail and business management across Asia. Currently he serves as CEO of Toys "R" Us Asia, where he transformed the business through a light-asset model, expanded the brand's appeal to the kidult segment, and reignited growth across Greater China and Southeast Asia. Prior to that, he served as CEO of Starbucks China after holding several senior leadership roles, driving innovation and supporting the brand's rapid expansion over more than a decade. Earlier in his career, he built a strong leadership foundation at PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble Greater China, driving growth through strategic vision and deep consumer insight.

Mr. Leo Tsoi said, "I am excited to join Hang Lung, a company whose expanding presence and commitment to 'We Do It Well' have made a meaningful impact across the communities it serves. I am grateful to Adriel and the Boards for their trust, and to Weber for laying down such a strong foundation to build upon. As I step into this role, I look forward to partnering with our talented team to strengthen relationships with stakeholders, tenants, and customers, and co-create Hang Lung's next chapter of growth and impact."

Mr. Adriel Chan, Chair of Hang Lung, said, "Hang Lung are excited to welcome Leo as our next CEO. His track record in driving growth through excellence makes him the best candidate to lead Hang Lung into our next chapter, and the Boards and I look forward to working closely with him. I am confident that the organization will thrive under his leadership. I would also like to thank our retiring CEO, Mr. Weber Lo, for the significant contributions and achievements over the past eight years; he has put Hang Lung in a position of strength, setting us up for further future success."

Mr. Weber Lo will serve as Advisor to the Chair for one year beginning October 1, 2026.

Mr. TSOI Tak Lun, Leo
Chief Executive Officer Designate and Executive Director (with effect from September 7, 2026)
Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director (with effect from October 1, 2026)

Mr. Tsoi has been Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Board Member for Toys "R" Us Asia since April 2023, where he led a transformative journey across Asia's key cities. During his tenure, he transformed the brand with a light-asset expansion strategy and accelerated the enterprise-wide digital transformation, driving significant brand elevation and business growth across Greater China and Southeast Asia.

Prior to this, Mr. Tsoi was CEO of Starbucks China and a member of the company's Global Executive Leadership Team. He envisioned and led a decade-long expansion that scaled the business from 600 to 6,000 stores, while advancing Starbuck's ESG agenda by launching plant-based campaigns and pioneering the Greener Store Lab. Earlier in his career, Mr. Tsoi held senior leadership positions at PepsiCo China and Procter & Gamble, where he delivered category leadership and launched iconic brands and campaigns that shaped consumer culture and inspired new lifestyles.

Mr. Tsoi currently serves as a member of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Toy Advisory Committee, and previously served as an Independent Non-Executive Director of Pure Group. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, with a minor in Japanese Studies.

Hashtag: #HangLungGroup #HangLungProperties #CEOAppointment

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Hang Lung Group and Hang Lung Properties

Hang Lung Group Limited (SEHK stock code: 00010) has been engaged in real estate development since 1960. Through its subsidiary Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101), the Group manages a portfolio of over 3.6 million square meters of retail, office, residential, and hotel properties across Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland.

The Group's diverse portfolio in Hong Kong includes office towers and malls in prime districts, as well as luxury residential developments in prestigious areas. In Chinese Mainland, under the signature "66" brand, the Company's mixed-use and retail developments are regarded as premium landmarks, strategically located in the hearts of key cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan, and Hangzhou.

The Group is recognized for pioneering sustainability in the real estate industry, with an MSCI ESG rating of AA and inclusion on CDP "A List" for Climate Change. The Group powers 10 of its 11 properties in the Mainland with renewable energy, with a net zero commitment by 2050.

At Hang Lung Group and Hang Lung Properties – We Do It Well.

For more information, please visit .

** This press release is distributed by Media OutReach Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

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